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# The Global Intelligence Files

On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.

## DOW CONFIDENTIAL: Bhopal Monitoring Report Friday, December 09, 2011

Released on 2012-02-27 00:00 GMT

Email-ID | 396510
Date | 2011-12-10 00:55:40
From | asigsby@allisinfo.com
To | mongoven@stratfor.com

Contact AIM for more Information
Significant Activist Activity
Amnesty USA online action addressed to USOC; Amnesty Int'l; Amnesty Canada; AI USA blog post
Barry Gardiner: website posts of Hindu, "Dow Olympic campaign" update
12/3 Rail Roko turns violent, protesters injured and arrested; CM Chouhan agreed to compensation data demand; roko cancelled
Petition: Goal attained, extended to 15,000 signatures
Parliament motions: 19 supporters of Scottish motion; UK Early Day stalled at 21
Media
Local media: Midland Daily News, Saginaw News
US anniversary actions: ICJB Boston; AID Austin (TX)
12/3 PTI, India Today, ToI: UCC affidavit filing; Dow not recognizing India's juridiction over it
12/7 Telegraph UK: LOCOG sustainability report favorable to Dow
12/8 BBC: Dow committed to Olympic sponsorship
Olympic Media Summary
12/3 Hindu: Activist coalition, Chomsky statement
12/3 BBC: Video report from BMA/Livingstone press conference at Olympic stadium
12/3 Guardian Ecologist: Blog promotes L. Close petition
12/4-5 Express, Hindu: Tamil Nadu politicians urge boycott of Games
12/5-6 Financial Times, Channel 4: Jowell interviews on opposing Dow Olympics sponsorship
12/5 Global media: IOA statement on "concern" over "tainted" company sponsoring Olympics
12/6 India media: IOA concern includes India's future bid for Olympics while Dow stil an IOC partner
12/6 Global media: IOC to IOA - "talk to the athletes" about Dow sponsorship
12/8 Telegraph UK: Two reports from Deighton's presentation at IOC meeting
12/6 Guardian: Dhingra, Gardiner welcomed IOA 'concern'; Commentary article cites BMA's Close
12/6 Tribune India: Sarangi - IOA, GoI communications "token efforts"
12/6 Siaset: Aslam Sher Khan press event: wrote letter to S Gandhi, offered support to UK MPs
12/7 PTI, SportzPower: IOA to meet, discuss Dow sponsorship issues 12/9, 12/15
12/9 Guardian blog: Recap of Olympics news included London borough politcs involving anti-Dow campaign
12/8 Reuters, PTI: Indian athletes let Dow find "redemption" via Olympic sponsorship; will follow GoI lead on Dow issue
12/8 Indian Express: ICJB to hold "Bhopal Olympics"
Commentaries/editorials: Mid-Day Mumbai, Times of India, Bhopal Chronicle; Sri Lanka, UK media
Bhopal Anniversary Media Summary
12/3 Global media: Bhopal anniversary effigy burnings and protests
12/3 Global media: Rail roko violence
12/4 AP: Rail roko violence aftermath
12/4 TwoCircles: Rail roko protest overview; 1/3/12 deadline for MP to submit "correct" data to SC
12/5 PTI, DNA: 15 Rail roko arrests include gas NGO leader Balkrishna Namdeo
12/6 Pioneer: State responsible for rail violence
12/6-8 India media: MP, ICJB, MP HRC to hold enquiries into violence
12/6 Pioneer: Jabbar - ICJB partly responsible for rail violence
12/9 ANI: Bhopal protest of police for rail roko violence calls for Chouhan to resign, threatens to 'ransack' his residence
12/8 ToI: Bhopal residents complain of police harassment on questioning over rail roko
12/7 PTI: Abdul Jabbar wants special courts for gas victims, MP to submit 'correct' data to SC
12/9 DNA: Chouhan calls for Rs 10 lakh in compensation for 10,000 more gas victims
12/4 Express on Sunday: Chingari Trust
12/5 Pioneer: Chingari Trust awards
12/8 Common Dreams: PANNA announced results of People's Tribunal - "Big 6" agrichem firms "guilty" of human rights violations
Activist Activity
12/4 BhopalNow website: first posting promotes Sambhavna, Chingari facilities
12/6 Force Change petition addressed to Liveris to "assume corporate responsibility" and clean up Bhopal
Bhopali film: Invitations to screenings; review; interview with Verma and Carlson
Ted Jeory blog: Bhopal visit during anniversary events; Newham mayor supports anti-Dow campaign
BMA website updates: Bhopali interview; Environmentalist article; Anniversary event reports
Blogs: Current.com; Toxics Watch; Hadida; sports blogs; UK Progressive; New Internationalist
Message boards: Nayaran - ICJB action calls during rail violence; Games Monitor posts
Social media: Farah Edwards driving BMA social media
Amnesty USA online action addressed to USOC; Amnesty Int'l; Amnesty Canada; AI USA blog post
Amnesty USA posted an online action addressed to the US Olympic Committee on the Bhopal anniversary and asking it to "raise the issue of Dow's failure to address the long-standing
environmental and human rights concerns about the Bhopal gas disaster in the Association of National Olympic Committees Executive Council Meeting on 6 December in Switzerland."
(emphasis added)
The online letter also calls for the IOC to amend is Sustainable Sourcing Code to include "an explicit attention to human rights concerns."
Amnesty is seeking for itself "and other groups the opportunity to convey to the Olympic Committee their concerns about Dow's response to the Bhopal tragedy, and that the LOCOG
prioritize the outstanding needs of survivors of the tragedy."
Full text of the letter is attached.
- The BMA Twitter feed posted links to the AI USA website, and tweeted once to Amnesty Sweden/Holland.
- As is typical, Amnesty USA has not invested in ongoing promotion of the Bhopal issue, touching on it only in context of the Bhopal anniversary and then returning to more normal
Amnesty topics.
Amnesty Int'l posted the Bhopal annivesary press statement by Business and Human Rights director Seema Joshi that was initially posted by Amnesty UK on 12/2.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news-item/london-2012-organizers-must-not-forget-bhopal-disaster
12/5 Amnesty Canada website and Amnesty USA's Human Rights blog posted Bhopal items.
- The Canada site began with a large photo on the front page of an elderly Bhopal activist and linked to the text of the UK Amnesty statement from 12/2, but no apparent link for a
direct online action. It is also not listed in the Write for Rights campaign as a current issue.
- The AI USA blog by Govind Acharya linked to the online action to contact the USOC and to Lorraine Close's change.org petition.
Table of Contents
Barry Gardiner: website posts of Hindu, "Dow Olympic campaign" update
Barry Gardiner's website had the following updates:
The 12/2 Hindu article with quotes from himself and Noam Chomsky opposing the Dow Olympic sponsorship
An update on the Dow Olympic Campaign said it "is gathering momentum" and Gardner has "been busy campaigning with Labour Friends of India." He listed six action updates:
- "Events in 3 continents" on the 27the Bhopal gas tragedy anniversary - UK, India and Africa
- GoI's instruction to the IOA to communicate with LOCOG and the IOC
- Gardiner "raised the issue of the ongoing contamination at Bhopal to leading politicians from 18 of the G20 countries" while at the Climate Change Conference in Durban, S. Africa
- Navin Shah represented the Labour Friends group at the Bhopal events
- "Ken Livingstone attended a press conference organized by Labour Friends of India at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford. Ken officially endorsed our campaign at the change.org
website."
- "On Friday released a letter to LOCOG signed by over a hundred celebrities, politicians and Olympians." The update indicated the list of supporters was provided, but no content
was available.
Gardiner ended by saying Coe "must realize if he does not listen" to the protesters, the protests "will continue during the games themselves, and the sporting spectacle will be
overshadowed by the toxic cloud of Dow."
Full text attached.
Table of Contents
12/3 Rail Roko turns violent, protesters injured and arrested; CM Chouhan agreed to compensation data demand; roko cancelled
The 12/3 Bhopal rail roko protest turned violent with injuries reported among the protesters, police and media persons. Reports vary on how the clash with police began.
Bhopal activists posted a flurry of emails and message board posts calling for telephone calls to PM Singh's office, the MP Chief Minister's office and the Environment and Forests
ministry office.
Subsequent posts reported MP CM Chouhan "agreed on all demands of the survivor groups" and a written statement was said to have been issued from Chouhan's office. As a result of
Chouhan capitulating, the rail roko was called off. Details of the CM's statement were promised to follow.
- An initial ICJB statement posted on its website reported the rail roko turned violent, but it did not mention the Chief Minister capitulating to the demands. That statement
claimed:
"Police in riot gear with shields and "lathis", long heavy clubs, turned out in force and began to attack the survivors, sparing neither the old, women and children.
"Phone reports speak of people hit by stones and lathis covered in blood. One person is said to be critical in hospital. Many have been arrested. Bodies are lying on the ground in
scenes reminiscent of the gas disaster of which today is the 27th anniversary. " (emphasis added)
- A brief update to the post simply stated CM Chouhan agreed to the NGOs demands and to lobby the PM on their behalf.
12/4 ICJB's website was updated with a report on people injured at the rail protest, claiming a teen may lose his hand after being hit by a rubber bullet fired by police. The
report claimed there were 50,000 at the protest, while media reports had said 15,000. A section said there is "huge public anger at Dow and Coe" over the Olympics sponsorship. Full
text attached.
The site also posted a new image titled "Dow's poison is killing London's Olympics as Dow attempts to censor criticism." That linked to a post of the 12/2 AP story by Kirka and
Nessman.
Table of Contents
Petition: Goal attained, extended to 15,000 signatures
Lorraine Close's change.org petition has reached its initial goal of 10,000 signatures and the goal has been raised to 15,000.
Table of Contents
Parliament motions: 19 supporters of Scottish motion; UK Early Day stalled at 21
The Scottish Parliament Motion by Joan McAlpine marking the Bhopal gas tragedy anniversary has been signed by 19 supporters: Rob Gibson, Mark McDonald, Dennis Robertson, Humza
Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, David Torrance, John Mason, Sandra White, Annabelle Ewing, Adam Ingram, Patrick Harvie, Gil Paterson, Dave Thompson, Kenneth Gibson, Roderick Campbell, Bill
Kidd, Christina McKelvie, Margaret Burgess, and Linda Fabiani.
- This is the fourth such SPM, with others filed for the 19th, 20th and 22 anniversaries, and one in support of US activist Diane Wilson when she was arrested for trespassing at
UCC's Seadrift, TX plant. The several motions are attached.
The UK Early Day Motion by Keith Vaz calling for LOCOG to reconsider the Dow sponsorship deal has not gained any new signers and remains at 21.
Table of Contents
Local media: Midland Daily News, Saginaw News
12/3 Midland Daily News ran Friday's AP article by Kirka and Nessman, pp1-2. Bottom left of front page, across fold of second page
12/6 Saginaw News reporter Kathryn Lynch-Morin posted an article on the Bhopal activist opposition to Dow's Olympic sponsorship. She tied together media reports on the
effigy-burning and protest in Bhopal for the anniversary observances, and today's Reuters report on the IOC advising the IOA to talk with the Indian athletes about the sponsorship.
The article ended with four paragraphs quoting Scot on Dow's Olympic partnership, and Lynch-Morin inviting public input on whether the activists are right to blame Dow, and whether
a boycott would "send a message to Dow or hurt Indian sports."
Seven comments were posted by eaders. The majority of the comments were in Dow's defense, the others, posted by "greenspleen" are more sympathetic to the activist viewpoint.
http://www.mlive.com/business/mid-michigan/index.ssf/2011/12/bhopal_victims_continue_to_pro.html#comments
Table of Contents
US anniversary actions: ICJB Boston; AID Austin (TX)
12/5 The UT-Austin Daily Texan reported on AID Austin's Bhopal anniversary die-in and campaign opposing Dow's Olympic sponsorship. The group was collecting signatures on a petition
they hope to use to spur "current and former UT Olympians" to make statements opposing the sponsorship.
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2011/12/04/aid-austin-seeks-support-removing-dow-chemicals-olympic-sponsorship
12/7 India New England published a report from the ICJB Boston anniversary events of 12/3 titled "Bhopal Occupies Boston."
About 40 people attended the ICJB presentation by activist Saif Pathan at noon in Dewey Square. The messages reported were - Dow is avoiding responsibility for remediation of
former UCIL factory site and compensation to gas accident victims, and greenwashing its image with the London 2012 Olympics sponsorship.
Following that event, the group "marched" to Copley Square and joined a larger Occupy demonstration, where they displayed Bhopal banners, distributed flyers among the crowd, and
"talked to people about the struggle for survivors' rights."
The Bhopali film screening at MIT had a "packed audience of about 70 people." Following the film, Bhopal resident and activist Sanjay Verma told the audience "the international
support for the cause was increasing every year," and encouraged people to sign Lorraine Close's petition opposing the Olympic sponsorship.
http://www.indianewengland.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=556EEDBF136748DD915A1C88429E58B7
Table of Contents
12/3 PTI, India Today, ToI: UCC affidavit filing; Dow not recognizing India's juridiction over it
PTI reported on the UCC affidavit filed with the Indian Supreme Court rebutting the curative petition calling for more compensation to be paid for the Bhopal gas victims. Pickups
have been seen by Economic Times, Indian Express and DNA.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_dow-chemicals-opposes-higher-compensation-for-bhopal-gas-victims_1620981
India Today also reported on the filing, with a few details of interest. The document is said to include assertions that a large surplus of funds remained with the GoI after the
gas victims were paid, and that the GoI should return the initial settlement amount to UCC if it reopened the settlement case. Also, the article reported UCC said the GoI needed to
provided proof of the earning capacity of the gas victims for the purposes of calculating compensation.
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bhopal-gas-tragedy-compensation-union-carbide-vs-government/1/162583.html
Times of India posted a report on the UCC affidavit filing on the curative petition. It included a few quotes from the document, including that Dow "has not submittted to the
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court or any other court in India."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bhopal-gas-tragedy-Wont-submit-to-Supreme-Court-jurisdiction-says-Dow-Chemicals/articleshow/10974484.cms
Table of Contents
12/7 Telegraph UK: LOCOG sustainability report favorable to Dow
UK Telegraph's Jacquelin Magnay included new sustainability review information in a report on Rogge's direction to the IOA to talk about Dow's sponsorship with the Indian athletes.
IOA acting president Malhotra said discussion about Dow will be on the agenda for the IOA executive board meeting on Dec. 15 as the issue "has become a global concern."
Dow's position on Bhopal was given, followed by two paragraphs reporting "LOCOG sustainability watchdog Shaun McCarthy supported [Dow's] position."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/jacquelin-magnay/8939596/London-2012-Olympics-Jacques-Rogge-backs-chemical-giant-Dow-over-Bhopal-disaster.html
Table of Contents
12/8 BBC: Dow committed to Olympic sponsorship
BBC reported on Dow's stated commitment to remain as a sponsor for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The article included a timeline of events involving Dow in India and development
of the London Games.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16089139
Table of Contents
Olympic Media Summary
Media coverage of the anti-Dow Olympics campaign began slowly, with single reports on activist statements in the Hindu (Chomsky, Gardiner); Guardian's Ecologist blog (L. Close
petition); Express News (Tamil Nadu politicians Vaiko and Thirumavalavan); and Financial Times (Jowell).
GOI/Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) statement it would communicate with IOC over concerns about Dow's sponsorship received global media attention with reports from AP, AFP,
Reuters, and Indian wire services IANS, UNI, ANI, IBNS, and PTI.
- AP usage was highest in US and Canada (about 50 pickups)
- AFP, Reuters were mainly used internationally (about 25 to 35 each)
- PTI appeared most used in India, while the rest of Indian wires appeared about evenly split
- Int'l Business Times, First Post issued original reports
- WSJ India RealTime blog posted Indian wire links twice
IOC statement confirming Dow's suitability and counseling IOA to talk with India's athletes received coverage by Reuters, Int'l Business Times, Guardian, PTI, and India's media
majors. Reuters was used by New York Times, Yahoo! News, some US broadcast outlets, and filtered through international and sports media over two days. Indian media coverage was
widespread, including numerous PTI pickups, Times of India (TOI), Hindu, Economic Times, SportzPower and the Statesman.
PTI reported IOA to meet 12/9, 12/17 to discuss "Dow issues." Multiple pickups throughout Indian media.
Print editions of India's major media published articles Sunday through Thursday on these stories, mainly in the Sports sections.
Commentary appeared from many quarters
- Hindustan Times - editorial said Dow should use sponsorship money to "clean up poisons"
- Mid-Day Mumbai - hypocrisy of India protesting Dow Olympic sponsorship while letting the company operate in India
- SportzPower - suggested is GOI using stalling tactic on Olympic protests in hopes momentum will slow
- TOI - point/counterpoint editorials on Dow sponsorship and Indian boycott; questioning why India did not protest sponsorship in 2010
- Central Chronicle - Rizvi's change.org petition surpassing 750 signatures puts "significant pressure" on IOA for 12/15 meeting
- Sri Lanka Guardian - Dow risking reputation and good will over Olympic sponsorship
- North West Times (London)- criticized Coe for Dow sponsorship, encouraged readers to email UK Culture commission in protest
Individual articles reported responses from multiple stakeholders:
- Tribune India: ICJB leaders Sarangi, Dhingra, Sarangi called the IOA message to IOC a "token effort"; Dhingra promised a "Bhopal Olympics"
- Siaset: Aslam Sher Khan called for an Olympic boycott, promised to bring up Dow sponsorship "in a big way" at 12/15 IOA meeting
- Reuters, PTI - Current top Indian athletes are either against a boycott or noncommittal when asked
Table of Contents
12/3 Hindu: Activist coalition, Chomsky statement
- The Hindu published an article about the cross-party activist coalition targeting Dow with quotes from Noam Chomsky 'backing' the campaign against Dow's Olympic sponsorship
because "the people of Bhopal have struggled to enforce accountability for one of the worst coporate crimes in history."
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/article2682675.ece
Table of Contents
12/3 BBC: Video report from BMA/Livingstone press conference at Olympic stadium
BBC posted a video report was from the BMA's press conference held 12/2 outside the Olympic stadium. Activist representatives addressing the press were Lorraine Close, Tim Edwards
and Farah Edwards. Ken Livingstone was not on camera. The reporter said of the stadium sponsorship, "it looks like the campaigners aren't going to get their way" although it does
present problems for LOCOG. Lorraine Close described in a fairly passionless manner the issues facing the Bhopal gas victims and the rationale for involving Dow in the issues.
Farah Edwards asserted the gas victims may go on a hunger strike nearer or during the Olympics "if the wrap stays." Close's change.org petition was briefly shown on screen.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16011649
Table of Contents
12/3 Guardian Ecologist: Blog promotes L. Close petition
The UK Guardian's Ecologist blog promoted Lorraine Close's change.org petition to Lord Coe opposing the Dow stadium wrap sponsorship.
http://www.theecologist.org/how_to_make_a_difference/campaigning_the_basics/1154320/petition_to_stop_dow_chemical_partnering_with_2012_london_olympics.html
Table of Contents
12/4-5 Express, Hindu: Tamil Nadu politicians urge boycott of Games
Express News Service reported two Tamil Nadu politicians, MDMK leader Vaiko and VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, told the media India should boycott the Olympics unless Dow's
sponsorship is cancelled.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/boycott-dowsponsored-london-olympics-vaiko/208474-60-118.html
The HIndu also reported Vaiko and Tirumavalavan appealing to the IOA and GoI to pressure LOCOG to drop the Dow sponsorship deal.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2687974.ece
Table of Contents
12/5-6 Financial Times, Channel 4: Jowell interviews on opposing Dow Olympics sponsorship
Financial Times reported on Tessa Jowell's involvement in the campaign opposing Dow's Olympic sponsorship. She said she considers the sponsorship deal "provocative" and that she
would never do anything to "inflict damage on the Games." The article described the opposition campaign as attracting "little interest in India outside of Bhopal" and said Jowell
was not successful in meeting with Indian officials last week to discuss the sponsorship. She denied a conflict of interest exists between her LOCOG board membership and the
opposition campaign. She said she is "seeking a 'negotiated solution'" with two possible solutions - Dow withdraws or "offers what she called a 'substantial programme of
mitigation.'"
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/b1149dd8-1eb3-11e1-bae4-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1fd1TIYz8
Channel 4 News posted a brief article and video report on India protesting Dow's Olympic sponsorship. The text article contained the basic items about the IOA, LOCOG and Dow
statements, while the video included an approximately 4-minute interview of Tessa Jowell by Channel 4 news reader Jon Snow. Snow asked if Jowell had "seen this problem coming," to
which she replied by describing events of her trip to India last week. Jowell was to have spoken at a sports conference which was cancelled, and she thought this was because the
GoI was afraid she would use that platform to talk about Bhopal and Dow. She said she would not have done so.
Jowell said she met with "a number of people who are concerned, including the senior counsel for the Indian government on the Indian Olympic Association issue and the five NGOs."
Snow prompted her about the original question, and Jowell began to list "options," including that Dow could withdraw since the wrap was only to "enhance the appearance of the
stadium for television." On further prompting, she admitted she did not know about the sponsorship until September and had "been pursuing it ever since."
http://www.channel4.com/news/indian-government-protests-dow-olympic-sponsorship
Table of Contents
12/5 Global media: IOA statement on "concern" over "tainted" company sponsoring Olympics
AP, AFP, Reuters, IANS, UNI and IBNS issued wire reports related to the Indian Olympic Association statement about Dow's Olympic sponsorship.
- AP and UNI reported the IOA would communicate to LOCOG the Bhopal gas victims are "strongly protesting" Dow's sponsorship of the stadium wrap. Dow's position on the Bhopal issue
and the purchase of UCC were given in the second paragraph of the report. IOA said it was not happy that "tainted" sponsors were being associated with the Games. IOA acting
president V K Malhotra said the topic would be addressed at a 12/15 meeting.
AP http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Indian-Olympic-group-unhappy-over-Dow-sponsorship-2344972.php
- AP had approximately 50 pickups, mostly in US and Canadian local, regional and broadcast outlets, as well as Washington Post, Washington Examiner, SF Examiner and New Orleans
Times-Picayune websites.
- AFP, Reuters and IANs pickups were between two and three dozen each.
Several media outlets posted in-house reports on the IOA's instructions and intent to convey to LOCOG and/or the IOC that the GoI, NGOs and others are "unhappy" with Dow's Olympic
sponsorship. WSJ's IndiaRealTime blog included the Indian Express version of the story at the top of its daily headlines collection. The content was much the same as reported
above.
- PTI http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/India-to-raise-issue-of-Dow-Olympics-sponsorship/Article1-778111.aspx
- International Business Times http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/261171/20111205/2012-london-olympics-india-raise-issue-dow.htm
- IANS reported more detail from Malhotra's statement, saying IOA "[understands] the feelings of the players, government and the NGOs [and] will try to make the games organisers
aware of the feeling of the people who have suffered in that tragedy. It is not only the Indians who are protesting this sponsorship, there has been an outcry against this world
over from various NGO's and other bodies. It is no longer a local issue.'"
This article said the GoI asked the IOA to address the issue with LOCOG and "ask them to reconsider their move."
http://in.news.yahoo.com/ioa-convey-concern-bhopal-victims-london-organisers-124750787.html
- AFP Reuters, and IANS went a step further into the GoI/IOA communications, reporting the Sports Ministry asked the IOA to "raise this matter immediately with the IOC (emphasis
added) while keeping the [GoI] informed."
Sports minister A J Maken wrote to the IOA, "expressing his concern over the Dow issue that has been vehemently criticized by the Bhopal Gas leak victims and even by several former
Olympians."
Reuters http://in.news.yahoo.com/india-raise-issue-dow-olympics-sponsorship-073535293.html (picked up by The Guardian)
- PTI and ANI also provided more coverage of the GoI's instructing the IOA to communicate with Olympics officials about the Dow sponsorship. In a first article, PTI quoted
extensively from an emailed statement from Dow that, "misrepresentation of facts is wrong," while a second article quoted extensively from Sports minister Maken's statement. He
called it "insensitive to the Bhopal gas victims" for the IOC to move ahead with the sponsorship.
PTI1: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_misrepresentation-of-facts-is-wrong-dow-chemical_1621872
PTI2: http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/insensitive-bhopal-gas-victims-maken-ioc-dow-chemicals-union-carbide/20111205.htm
- ANI reported Sarangi commented favorably about the GoI's move, but said "much more" still needed to be done in terms of political consensus to maintain the campaign's momentum.
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/474535.php
Table of Contents
12/6 India media: IOA concern includes India's future bid for Olympics while Dow stil an IOC partner
Several Indian media outlets published further reporting on the IOA's statement on Monday to the IOC and LOCOG:
- Telegraph India reported part of the concern over Dow's sponsorship is its position as an IOC partner through the 2020 Games, for which India had planned to bid. It also
reported the letter to IOA from the Sports ministry was written by Rahul Bhatnagar, a joint secretary at the ministry.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111206/jsp/nation/story_14844874.jsp
- The Hindu and NDTV also reported India would like to bid to host a future Games, and has asked the "Indian mission in London to get more details from the organizers" about Dow's
sponsorship. Hindu noted Liveris is an India-US CEO Forum member, "but has stayed away from the meetings...due to the sensitivities involved."
Hindu http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2689249.ece
- Times of India and PTI reported Sports Minister A J Maken urged the IOC to "consider the sentiments" involving Bhopal and Dow, said he "won't let Bhopal down," and that it
"would be embarrassing that on one hand we are asking for extradition of [Warren Anderons] and on the other hand we are partnering with those people."
ToI http://www.timesnow.tv/Wont-let-Bhopal-down-says-Maken/articleshow/4390681.cms
- Express News Service, SportzPower, Economic Times and the Statesman also posted reports on the IOA statement.
Table of Contents
12/6 Global media: IOC to IOA - "talk to the athletes" about Dow sponsorship
Reuters and a few other media outlets reported IOC president Jacques Rogge "urged the IOA to talk to its athletes" about the protests over Dow's Olympic sponsorship. He reiterated
the IOC's position that Bhopal was a "horrific catastrophe" with which India has "a lot of emotion," but Dow "was not involved in the Bhopal issue." He added that every call for
India to boycott the games "is a measure that is hurting Indian sport and I am glad to say that there is no intention at the level of the IOA to consider such actions."
This Bhopal content is in the second half of the article, which is titled and initially about soccer (football) global leader Havelange resigning from the IOC.
There were approximately two dozen pickups of the story, including the New York Times, Yahoo! Eurosport, South Africa's Sunday Tribune and Independent Online, and a handful of US
broadcast outlets.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/12/06/sports/olympics/sports-us-olympics-rogge.html?_r=1&hp
International Business Times also reported on the meeting, with an article specifically on instructing the IOA to talk with the Indian athletes and that boycotting would "hurt
Indian sport."
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/262133/20111206/boycotting-london-olympics-2012-hurt-indian-sport.htm
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12/8 Telegraph UK: Two reports from Deighton's presentation at IOC meeting
The UK Telegraph published two items by Jacqueline Magnay mentioning Dow's sponsorship and Bhopal:
- The first was a report on the IOC's decision add Ireland to the Olympic torch relay route. This contained a brief mention of Dow as part of LOCOG's presentation to the IOC this
week.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/8944065/London-2012-Olympics-torch-relay-to-visit-Ireland.html
- The second reported the IOC heard from LOCOG CEO Paul Deighton to expect opposition to Dow's sponsorship to be ongoing. Ken Livingstone's interest in the issue, the Coe effigy
burning, IOA being pressured on the topic and today's statement by Indian athlete Gagan Narang are also noted.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/8944225/London-2012-Olympics-International-Olympic-Committee-braced-for-Dow-protests.html
12/9 UK Telegraph's Olympics diary blog included a summary of Thursday's blog post reporting LOCOG CEO Deighton told the IOC continued protest over Dow's sponsorship is expected.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/shart/100022330/london-2012-olympics-diary-mcdonalds-fails-to-get-staff-into-games-spirit/
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12/6 Guardian: Dhingra, Gardiner welcomed IOA 'concern'; Commentary article cites BMA's Close
The UK's Guardian reported both Rachna Dhingra and Barry Gardiner made statements about the IOA's message to the IOC. Dhingra said the NGOs asked for that action six months ago,
and "welcome it, but it needs to go further." Gardiner said the GoI and IOA "have done the right thing by standing up to Dow's involvement.... LOCOG must realize that this issue
will not go away, and the longer they leave the decision to kick out Dow the larger the protests will grow."
No online article, full text available on request.
The Guardian also published a commentary by Richard Williams criticizing the stadium wrap, Dow's sponsorship and quoting BMA activist Lorraine Close in describing contaminated
water and surroundings in Bhopal. Readers are encouraged to sign Close's change.org petition asking Lord Coe to drop Dow's sponsorship.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/dec/05/london-olympics-dow-bhopal-legacy?newsfeed=true
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12/6 Tribune India: Sarangi - IOA, GoI communications "token efforts"
Tribune India posted a lengthy article on the IOA's communication to IOC. Sarangi is cited, saying government effort is a "token exchange of words and gestures" and the GoI "should
categorically state that it will make no compromise on the matter of a corporation which is responsible for the poisoning and death of thousands of people."
The article ends with a section labeled "The Dow Story," relating that UCC was an early investor in India, UCIL ownership of the Bhopal facility, and "After the accident, UCC
downplayed damages and diverted attention and liability on the local company to escape criminal and civil liability. Later, it absolved itself completely of all responsibility by
merging with the $9.3-billion Dow Chemical, one of the world's largest chemical companies."
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111206/main7.htm
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12/6 Siaset: Aslam Sher Khan press event: wrote letter to S Gandhi, offered support to UK MPs
India's Siaset Daily posted a lengthy article by Pervez Bari about Aslam Sher Khan making statements to the press about writing to Sonia Gandhi, Barry Gardiner, Keith Vaz and Tessa
Jowell about the Dow sponsorship. The letter to Gandhi, which was copied to "all the members of the Congress Working Committee," called for IOA to make a formal protest to LOCOG.
To the British MPs, Sher Khan offered his support and had a reply from Vaz. He called for Indian MPs to "take up the issue," as have the UK MPs, and claimed he would "not hesitate
to don the (anti-corruption) role of Anna Hazare in getting proper justice to the victims and survivors.." He also said he will bring up the Bhopal issue "in a big way at the
former Olympians meeting" as part of the 12/15 IOA meeting.
- PTI, ToI and UNI also reported more briefly from Sher Khan's press event.
http://www.siasat.com/english/news/ex-olympian-aslam-sher-writes-sonia-dow-chemical-sponsorship-london-olympics
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12/7 PTI, SportzPower: IOA to meet, discuss Dow sponsorship issues 12/9, 12/15
PTI reported the IOA will meet on 12/9 to discuss the issues regarding Dow's Olympic sponsorship, according to IOA vice-president Tarlochan Singh. The article also noted the
executive board and general body meeting will take place December 15, as widely reported. Tarlochan said, "The matter has to be thoroughly discussed, we can't take a decision on
our own. The sentiments of the people of Bhopal are also important." The article was picked up by multiple India outlets, including Economic Times, Times of India, IBNLive, India
Today and Zee News.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/ioa-calls-meeting-to-discuss-dow-olympic-sponsorship-row/articleshow/11019537.cms
SportzPower confirmed the 12/9 meeting reported by PTI . SportzPower said the IOA "has gone on a back foot" as its secretary general Raja Randhir Singh is in Switzerland meeting
with the IOC, and acting president V K Malhotra "remaining silent," so vice president Tarlochan Singh has apparently taken the lead on the "crisis." The article described the
week's developments from Indian agencies and the IOC, and ended with "Last learnt, the IOA will stick to its position on Indian participating in London Games, but the athletes in
the committee, many of whom are from Bhopal, will not accept that."
http://www.sportzpower.com/?q=content/ioa-pushing-participating-london-games-athletes-commoners-oppose
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12/9 Guardian blog: Recap of Olympics news included London borough politcs involving anti-Dow campaign
A Guardian blog post by Dave Hill recapped the GoI/IOA communication to IOC, and its response. He referred back to the 12/2 activist coalition press conference at the Olympic
stadium and noted BMA said Dow is "shifting" responsibility for Bhopal to the Indian governments. Hill also quoted Ken Livingstone from the press conference saying if he is elected
Mayor of London next May, "he would be 'looking for a legal challenge to try and drop Dow Chemical' and in the meantime would be 'writing personally to Seb Coe to say I think this
is a catastrophic error and it isn't going to go away.'"
Hill mentioned the Newham council's support of the anti-Dow campaign, and that Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman is also in favor of the campaign. He referred readers to Ted
Jeory's latest blog post about Rahman's support.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/davehillblog/2011/dec/08/dow-olympic-stadium-wrap-cross-party-opposition
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12/8 Reuters, PTI: Indian athletes let Dow find "redemption" via Olympic sponsorship; will follow GoI lead on Dow issue
Reuters reported India's first athlete to qualify for the London Olympics, marksman Gagan Narang, said Dow's Olympics sponsorship is an opportunity for the company to gain
"redemption" and should be allowed. He agreed with IOC president Rogge that a boycott would only hurt the Indian athletes, and stated the athletes are to go to the Games as
ambassadors for their country.
Pickups were not extensive, mainly Reuters and Yahoo! outlets.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/08/olympics-india-boycott-idUSL3E7N83LW20111208
PTI reported Indian tennis player Sania Mirza said she would follow the government's instructions on the issue of a boycott: "As athletes we will go with what the country decides."
Multiple pickups
http://sports.in.msn.com/tennis/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5648177
The UK Press Association posted a report on UK female cyclist Emma Pooley on her involvement in an Afghan human rights campaign. She was asked about "the controversy surrounding
Dow Chemical Company's involvement with London's showpiece Olympic stadium," and answered "generally" about "almost all" large multinational companies having "a breach of ethics
somewhere." The article then gave a description of the controversy issues. The piece was reposted on the Financial Mail's Women's Forum.
http://www.fmwf.com/features/2011/12/olympic-athlete-calls-for-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/
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12/8 Indian Express: ICJB to hold "Bhopal Olympics"
Indian Express reported Rachna Dhingra stated the ICJB would do everything it could to hold a "Bhopal Olympics" with children from Bhopal, Vietnam, Nicaragua "and other countries."
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Bhopal-may-defy-IOC-with-own--Olympics-/885241/
Table of Contents
Commentaries/editorials: Mid-Day Mumbai, Times of India, Bhopal Chronicle; Sri Lanka, UK media
12/4 Deccan Herald has posted an editorial titled "Dow's stink," calling LOCOG's sponsorship award "insenstive and in poor taste." A boycott by India is considered an option, but
unfair to Indian athletes.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/209367/dows-stink.html
12/7 Mid-Day Mumbai published a strong commentary by Ranjona Banerji on the GoI and Indian public's "hypocrisy" over the Bhopal gas tragedy. Banerji asked why Dow's Olympic
sponsorship is "so unbearable" when Dow's presence in India is not, and cites the Jaipur foot camps and Habitat for Humanity. Banerji blamed the government and "unconvincing"
politicians for not doing enough for the gas victims, and asked successive questions about why the victims have not received enough compensation, who is responsible for it, and
suggested using "bribes saved after Lokpal Bill is passed to fund the needed compensation." The column concluded the campaign to cancel Dow's Olympic sponsorship "looks like one
more way to create a lot of hot air amounting to precisely nothing substantial for the people of Bhopal."
http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/dec/071211-opinion-The-hypocrisy-of-the-Bhopal-tragedy.htm
12/7 Indian sports media SportzPower reported it has accessed the note from India's Ministry of External Affairs to the PM's Office regarding Dow's Olympic sponsorship and posted
some excerpts.
The report began with Rogge's statement to the IOA about talking with its athletes and acknowledging the emotional sensitivity of the Bhopal issue. SportzPower pragmatically noted
"Rogge's line of argument is only to be expected."
The note excerpts were that Coe told the Indian mission in London he and LOCOG are satisfied with the Dow sponsorship decision "and offered to make a presentation for the Mission
on the issue. The Mayor of London has indicated he would like to know our thinking in this matter, give the importance of the relations between India and the United Kingdom."
The note indicated the Mission was directed to "seek presentation from [LOCOG] and share the presentation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports."
SportzPower concluded the GoI was "going through the proper channels" but LOCOG's response was predictable, and asked if the GoI's actions were "showing serious intent when the
real intention is to buy time under the expectation that the protests will lose momentum over the coming months? More than likely."
http://www.sportzpower.com/?q=content/rogge-asks-ioa-settle-dow-row-indian-athletes-govt
12/7 Times of India published two editorial pieces with opposing viewpoints on the Olympic sponsorship issue.
- One called the sponsorship and the IOC's support of it morally offensive and in violation of the Olympic spirit.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Cannot-evade-moral-issues/articleshow/11022713.cms
- The other said talk of an Indian boycott "is going a step too far" and questioned whether it was "truly advisable to hold sport ransom to a political and legal issue in this
manner?" Examples of winning Olympic performances in unlikely circumstances given included Jesse Owens' four gold medals in Nazi Berlin.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Sport-should-transcend-politics/articleshow/11022747.cms
A Times of India sports column writer found it "curious" the IOA had not objected to Dow's IOC partnership when it was announced in 2010. The inevitability of Dow working with all
the National Olympic Committees before and during the London Games was "of critical importance to India," and "under such a scenario, India may even ask the IOC to reconsider its
deal with Dow." The piece covered the Sports ministry's letter to the IOA about communicating with the IOC on the matter, and the IOC's response. The article ended by mentioning
Lord Coe's assurance Dow "was not involved in the gas disaster in Bhopal," and that he "pooh-poohed" the possibility of an Indian boycott.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/london-olympics/Govt-asks-IOA-to-take-up-Dow-issue-with-IOC/articleshow/10998872.cms
Bhopal Central Chronicle reported on the "other" change.org petition that was addressed to the IOA and intended for athletes to sign. The item has gathered 900 signatures of 1,000
targeted. The Chronicle reporter claimed the petition surpassing 750 signatures made it a significant pressure on the IOA going into the Dec. 15 meeting.
http://www.centralchronicle.com/ioa-faces-new-pressure-to-boycott-dow-olympic-2012.html
Sri Lanka Guardian posted a commentary about Dow risking its reputation and good will over the Olympics sponsorship. This included a description of DAS India being blacklisted.
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2011/12/dow-chemical-now-facing-image-issues-in.html
UK local media North West Times published a lengthy letter to the editor criticizing Lord Coe for the Dow sponsorship and claiming it would result in "big protests and disrupt the
Games," with the possibility of "bringing Wembley and other venues to a standstill." The letter encouraged readers to email the Culture, Media and Sport commission "asking for the
decision to be reversed," and to sign Lorraine Close's change.org petition. No name was provided, full text is available on request.
Table of Contents
Bhopal Anniversary Media Summary
12/2 BBC and Reuters reported on the Bhopal anniversary protests and effigy burnings held Friday. Limited pickup of the Reuters story.
12/3 The ICJB's rail roko protest and resulting violence drew global coverage led by AP and AFP. AP issued an update to its original wire story, with more than 100 combined
pickups; the AFP piece received about two dozen pickups.
Indian media reported heavily on the events, sending successive posts from the scene as the news developed. PTI, IBNS, UNI, Pioneer, DNA and broadcast news covered the event. PTI
and Pioneer were most prolific in filing reports, and PTI was widely picked up by Indian and Asian media outlets.
12/4 AP issued a follow-up report from Bhopal with reactions from activists and public figures. Fewer than 50 pickups were seen, spread across international outlets and a handful
in the US, mainly broadcast outlets.
Indian media majors published in-house reporting on the violence aftermath, including the Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Daily News & Analysis (DNA) and Asian Age.
12/5-7 A variety of Indian media reported NGOs, public figures and agencies either called for or announced enquiry panels to investigate the rail roko violence.
Table of Contents
12/3 Global media: Bhopal anniversary effigy burnings and protests
Reuters issued an article on the campaign against Dow's Olympics sponsorship, the proposed boycott by Indian athletes, Malhotra's statement the IOA would not entertain a boycott
vote, MP CM Chouhan's letter to India's Sports Minister, and the gas NGOs demands for more compensation.
Few pickups.
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/260538/20111202/dow-chemical-s-sponsorship-london-olympics-angers.htm
BBC posted a report on the protest and burning of effigies of Lord Coe and IOA president Malhotra, the gas NGOs demands for more compensation, and Dow's response to criticism of
its sponsoring the Olympic stadium wrap.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16001266
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12/3 Global media: Rail roko violence
Associated Press initially reported on the rail roko and the resulting violence. About 15,000 people were reported to have participated. Reporter Rafiq Maqbool cited ICJB's Rachna
Dhingra saying the police "charged the protesters with sticks" (called 'lathi') and at least three people were hospitalized with injuries. Maqbool reported the protesters threw
stones at the police and that several police vehicles were burned or damaged. He also cited Dhingra saying "the government has undermined the [Bhopal gas] victims" over
compensation for the 1984 accident. The NGOs demand for $8.1 billion from Dow is mentioned, as well as the GoI's bid for $1.7 billion from Dow. Dow's position on the Bhopal issue
is included briefly.
An updated version of this article reported CM Chouhan agreed to "back thier campaign and lobby the Prime Minister for his support" and the rail roko was subsequently cancelled.
Numerous US and international pickups, including the Wall Street Journal website, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Business Week and NPR websites.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_27th-anniversary-of-the-bhopal-gas-disaster-turns-violent_1620727
Agence France Press reported Dhingra said the protest was "peaceful agitation but the police used force against us in a bid to silence us." An MP official said the police "were
acting under a law prohibiting unlawful assembly." Chouhan's call for India to boycottt the Olympics was included, as was a brief version of Dow's position statement on the Bhopal
liabilities. Multiple pickups.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hkyhWDqQ1mBqA8dlL7UHvQbxtgMw?docId=CNG.794d1157fe2364fc0e0dcd6a77edbd08.131
India Blooms News Service posted two items on the police response to the protest, quoting an activist saying shots may have been fired.
http://www.indiablooms.com/NewsDetailsPage/2011/newsDetails031211g.php
PTI reported Abdul Jabbar condemned the violence and called for the release of those who had been arrested.
http://expressbuzz.com/nation/bhopal-gas-tragedy-violence-marks-anniversary/339807.html
UNI reported CM Chouhan said there will be in an inquiry into the day's violence.
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20111203/1884050.html
Pioneer posted several reports describing the events of the day, including:
- Stone-throwers were "youth" taking cover in the "maze of bylanes" opening on to the area where the rail roko was held. It includes a listing of the ten people who were reported
as hospitalized after the protest - seven were police or media.
http://dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/25174-maze-of-bylanes-gave-stone-pelters-the-edge.html
- Congress party leaders "slammed" the MP govt and police for the violence at the rail roko.
http://dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/25176-bhuria-singh-slams-mp-govt-for-police-action-on-survivors.html
Table of Contents
12/4 AP: Rail roko violence aftermath
The AP issued a follow-up story by Rafiq Mabool reporting on the rail roko and the protesters' clash with police. Rachna Dhingra was cited as describing the confrontation, and
decrying the government's "betrayal [and] undermininng the victims." CM Chouhan's promise to support the gas NGO demands to PM Singh and the subsequent cancellation of the rail
roko were mentioned. The previously-used content about the NGOs demanding $8.1 billion more in compensation from Dow was included, as was Dow's position on the Bhopal settlement.
The article endsed with the NGOs, "a few officials" and the 21 former Olympians opposing Dow's Olympic sponsorship.
Several pickups in US regional media outlets and international media, primarily in Pakistan.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/dec/04/gas-leak-survivors-protest-settlement/
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12/4 TwoCircles: Rail roko protest overview; 1/3/12 deadline for MP to submit "correct" data to SC
TwoCircles.net Muslim Indian media posted a long and detailed review of Saturday's protest, mashing together multiple media reports. While the writing gets unclear in a few places,
it is a good overview of the entire event and has a few items not seen elsewhere
- NGO leader Balkrishna Namdeo said the groups have set a deadline of Jan. 3 for CM Chouhan to submit "correct figures before the Supreme Court or else the survivors would again
stop trains."
- Chouhan told the activists they can have representatives there when he meets with PM Singh, and that a special court for the gas victims cases "will be considered." He also
promised a "team of experts" would assess damage to "population and environment due to gas leak" and compensation demands would be based on the findings.
http://twocircles.net/2011dec04/bopal_gas_tragedy_police_beats_survivors_train_blockade.html
Table of Contents
12/5 PTI, DNA: 15 Rail roko arrests include gas NGO leader Balkrishna Namdeo
The aftermath of Saturday's rail roko reported about 15 arrests were made.
-PTI reported "around 70" people were identified from videos as being involved in the stone throwing and will apparently be pursued and charged. Gas NGO leader Balkrishna Namdeo
is being targeted by police as "identified on video."
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_violence-on-bhopal-gas-tragedy-anniversary-15-arrested_1621669
- DNA reported "500" unidentified persons have had charges registered by police for arson and stone throwing at the protest.
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/MP-BHO-bhopal-gas-tragedy-cases-against-500-people-for-arson-2616125.html
Table of Contents
12/6 Pioneer: State responsible for rail violence
Pioneer reported Congress Party Member of Parliament (Ujjain) Premchand Guddu filed a memorandum with the MP government saying the state is "responsible for all that happened on
Saturday." He said the police and state officials had plenty of prior notice the rail roko was planned.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/25749-cong-mp-demands-high-level-probe-into-rail-roko-incident.html
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12/6-8 India media: MP, ICJB, MP HRC to hold enquiries into violence
IBNS reported the ICJB issued a press statement condemning the violence at the rail roko and stating they will perform their own enquiry into the matter, "presided over by a
retired judge of the High Court or Supreme Court." They have called again for the release of all 14 men still in police custody and said they will help survivors "gather evidence
and initiate formal proceedings against those responsible for the violence, including the police." The NGOs apologized to the media people who were injured. The article was not
available for online access, full text available on request.
Several media items reported on press statements issued Tuesday about the rail roko violence in Bhopal.
- UNI, DNA, The Pioneer, Indian Express and Ummid reported on the ICJB press conference, citing Sarangi and Rashida Bee on claims the police initiated the confrontation, their
intent to hold an independent inquiry, and calls for individuals to bring evidence from the incident. Sarangi said of gas NGO leader Balkrishna Namdeo, if they had evidence to
substantiate the charges against him, the group "will ourselves walk him to the jail."
Ummid's report, by Pervez Bari, included content on the ICJB apologizing to the media persons who were injured or lost equipment and vehicles during the melee, and a listing of
women attending the press conference who had been injured. These include Hazra Bee, Bano Bee, and "Ms Rafat" [of Children Against Dow-Carbide].
UNI: http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/December/07.12.2011/bhopal_gas_victims_on_police.htm
Pioneer: http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/25987-gas-victim-organisations-blame-police-admin-for-violence-on-anniversary-day.html
Ummid: http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/December/07.12.2011/bhopal_gas_victims_on_police.htm
- PTI reported separately on state Congress party members president Kantilal Burhia and MP Preme Chand Guddu making statements about the police response to the rail roko. Burhia
"strongly condemned" the police force, while Guddu sent a memo to the MP governor demanding a "high level inquiry into the police action." The memo explained the local law
enforcement were forewarned of the protest and did not take precautionary measures.
http://zeenews.india.com/news/madhya-pradesh/bhuria-condemns-police-action-on-gas-victims_745594.html
CNN-IBN reported the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission criticized the MP government for the "police brutality on protesting Bhopal gas victims" and asked to be given a
detailed report on the violence.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hrc-pulls-up-mp-govt-for-lathicharge-on-gas-victims/209115-3.html
Table of Contents
12/6 Pioneer: Jabbar - ICJB partly responsible for rail violence
The Pioneer reported Abdul Jabbar and the BGPMUS said the ICJB NGOs are partly responsible for Saturday's violence. He criticized the state government for not fulfilling projects
and programs it promised to the gas victims.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/25751-organisations-divided-over-rail-roko-incident.html
Table of Contents
12/9 ANI: Bhopal protest of police for rail roko violence calls for Chouhan to resign, threatens to 'ransack' his residence
ANI reported a protest was held in Bhopal by gas victims "against police personnel" for the rail roko violence. However, the group demonstrating is not reported to be associated
with any of the gas NGOs. The protest was "supported by" the Congress party, and the group called for CM Chouhan's resignation. A spokesman also "warned the state government of a
similar backlash and threatened Chief Minister Chauhan with ransacking his house."
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/253966
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12/8 ToI: Bhopal residents complain of police harassment on questioning over rail roko
Times of India reported Bhopal residents of the Jehangirabad and Aishbagh locales are complaining of being harassed by police and questioned about the rail roko violence on Dec. 3.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) may hold a demonstration to protest the "alleged police excesses" on Dec. 3.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Cops-harassing-us-for-Dec-3-protests/articleshow/11031304.cms
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12/7 PTI: Abdul Jabbar wants special courts for gas victims, MP to submit 'correct' data to SC
PTI reported BGPMUS convenor Abdul Jabbar again called for CM Chouhan to "take a clear stand on the death toll and injuries" data from the 1984 gas accident. Jabbar said Chouhan's
letter to PM Singh is "not enough" and the state does not need any special dispensation to establish a special court to hear gas victims' cases.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/come-clear-on-death-injury-figures-in-gas-tragedy-jabbar/922548.html
Table of Contents
12/9 DNA: Chouhan calls for Rs 10 lakh in compensation for 10,000 more gas victims
DNA reported CM Chouhan has asked the GoI to pay Rs 10 lakhs to the families of another 10,047 persons whose deaths were attributable to the 1984 gas accident.
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/MP-BHO-bhopal-gas-tragedy-cm-asks-for-rs-10-lakh-each-for-the-victims-2626677.html
Table of Contents
12/4 Express on Sunday: Chingari Trust
Express on Sunday Whitehall editor Ted Jeory reported from Bhopal on the Chingari Trust and juxtaposing its services and needs to the money being spent by Dow on the Olympic
stadium wrap. Jeory included quotes from both Rashida Bee and Champi Devi Shukla, who deemed Dow "'our enemy' because 'they should show some morality, clean the waste and take it
back to America.'"
He said the BMA and other campaigners are "glad of the renewed global attention brought by Lord Coe's decision to give Dow a clean bill of health," because the campaign against Dow
had been "losing momentum."
This piece has content that is may have been sourced from an InterPress Service piece dated Friday, which is available on request.
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/287679/-Bhopal-tragedy-was-like-a-dance-of-death-
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12/5 Pioneer: Chingari Trust awards
Chingari Trust announced its annual Women Against Corporate Crime award, which went to "two courageous women of the Lok Samiti in Mehndiganj near Varanasii.e. Urmila Vishwakarma
and Urmila Patel. They are recognized for their fight against a multinational goliath i.e. Coca Cola along with the local Pollution Control Board, Ground Water Authority and Uttar
Pradesh State Government swinging between the local vote-bank and a huge MNCs persuasive power."
http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/25731-chingari-award-for-women-against-corporate-crime-distributed.html
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12/8 Common Dreams: PANNA announced results of People's Tribunal - "Big 6" agrichem firms "guilty" of human rights violations
PANNA issued a press release announcing Permanent People's Tribunal found the "Big 6" agrichemical companies "guilty" of human rights violations. PANNA co-director Kathryn Gilje
described the event, and the press piece listed several of the individuals who testified and each ones' topic.
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2011/12/07-17
The Hindu had published two items on the PAN Permanent People's Tribunal while it was in session on Bangalore. Dow's primary connection to the PPT is the Bhopal issue.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2685948.ece
- Endosulfan victims were the first to testify at the PPT.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2687912.ece
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12/4 BhopalNow website: first posting promotes Sambhavna, Chingari facilities
Photojournalist Jack Laurenson announced a new website he calls BhopalNow to aid the campaigns for the gas victims. The exact purpose of the site was not clear, other than he said
he could not let Bhopal be simply another article he produced.
12/6 Laurenson posted the first item on BhopalNow.org. The post is a "comment piece" by him and Lorraine Close, describing the Sambhavna Clnic and the Chingari Therapy Centre, the
activist perception of Bhopal and Dow, and encouraging readers to sign Close's change.org petition addressed to Lord Coe. Full text attached.
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12/6 Force Change petition addressed to Liveris to "assume corporate responsibility" and clean up Bhopal
A new petition about Bhopal is addressed to Andrew Liveris and calls for him/Dow to "assume corporate responsibility for [and] clean up Bhopal, India's environment." The item is
posted a site called Force Change and does not appear likely to attract attention. The poster is a UC-Berkeley graduate named Emmeline Sun. There is no clear connection to ICJB or
AID activists, she has posted five petitions on topics ranging from affirmative action to "police brutality against 'occupy' protesters."
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Bhopali film: Invitations to screenings; review; interview with Verma and Carlson
12/5 An email update was sent about the Bhopali film, announcing its availability online, with half of proceeds supporting "Bhopal.org" (the BMA), and listing the three screenings
from 12/3 to 12/10 in Boston and NYC.
- A fellow filmmaker, Chris Portal, posted a review of the film on his blog. He attended the MIT screening on 12/2 and recommended the film. He noted IndiePix said it would have a
theatrical release that has not happened yet.
12/9 Film blog MoviePass posted interviews with ICJB activist Sanjay Verma and Bhopali film maker Max Carlson prior to the documentary screening at the IndieScreen Theatre in
Brooklyn on Thursday evening.
- Verma described his gradual involvement with the activist campaign, stepping in where his brother Sunil had left off in the campaign, and encouraged viewers to "tell other
people about Bhopal."
- Carlson referred to Verma as a "big inspiration" in producing the documentary.
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Ted Jeory blog: Bhopal visit during anniversary events; Newham mayor supports anti-Dow campaign
Express on Sunday Whitehall editor Ted Jeory updated his blog with two posts from his weekend in Bhopal.
- The first chronicles his personal experiences there, including time with UK MP Navin Shah, Sarangi and Dhingra, and Abdul Jabbar. He also visited the Chingari Rehabilitation
Center and attended the protests on Friday and Saturday. Multiple photos adorn the post.
He wrote that Coe should visit Bhopal "and try to understand the anger first hand," and labeled Dow, Coe, Rogge and Hughes all "morally deficient" for their stance on the Bhopal
issue.
One item of interest - he said Sarangi had spent a large part of the weekend disguised "to avoid the police."
- The second post is mainly his article from Sunday's Express about the work of the Chingari Trust.
12/8 Ted Jeory's blog reposted Rahman's own blog post stating his position against Dow's sponsorship and the text of his letter to Lord Coe. Jeory and Rahman called for several
other politicians to sign on to the letter, one of whom has done so. Those invited to sign were Josh Peck (Labour), Peter Golds (Conservative), Stephanie Eaton (Lib Dem - signed),
and Fozol Miah (Respect).
Rahman wrote that he had the Dow issue on his council meeting agenda but ran out of time to address it.
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BMA website updates: Bhopali interview; Environmentalist article; Anniversary event reports
The BMA website has several updates:
- The Carlson section of the MoviePass blog post reported above
- The full text of Environmentalist journal article "Bhopal's Never Ending Disaster" by Richard Ansell and Andrew Tinsley. The piece was published in October but not available in
full at that time. The lengthy article reviews Bhopal's "first' and "second" disasters, and the legal proceedings. The journal report ends with suggesting an "alternative approach"
for site remediation "independent of the court actions": A full site investigation backed by the EU consisting of double-blind sampling by labs in India and Europe, desk studies by
EU consultancies and "eventual site clean-up work." An addendum has a personal report by Tinsley from an April 2011 visit to Bhopal and the former UCIL factory site. Full text
available on request.
- A report from "Nagendra in Sambhavna" on the 12/2-3 anniversary events in Bhopal. The post includes two local press clippings with photos from the Friday rally.
- An updated post on the Scottish Friends of Bhopal memorial event and plaque dedication at Greyfriars Kirk.
- An anniversary poem by BMA member Jade De Vries.
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Blogs: Current.com; Toxics Watch; Hadida; sports blogs; UK Progressive; New Internationalist
Current.com, the same venue that hosts Granholm's new TV program, has a post from "JanforGore," titled "Drop Dow as a partner for London 2012 olympic games." It has a link to
Lorraine Close's change.org petition, a brief explanation of the activist rationale and three comments, also posted by JanforGore, with further media items on the Bhopal issue.
JanforGore is Janet Moore, a water issues activist who has posted several times on Current.com posts Granholm's program, usually mentioning dioxin.
India's Toxics Watch Alliance blogger Gopal Krishna has added nine posts of Bhopal-related items since Friday, including:
- The 12/6 Hindu article he retitled "Dowlympics"
- A letter he wrote to the Governor of Madhya Pradesh calling for a Truth Commission about the rail roko violence and use of the "correct" death and injury figures for the
curative petition
- India's Sports Ministry instructions to IOA on communicating the "concern" over Dow's sponsorship
- Protest on "Bhopal Day" against the Jaitapur Nuclear Project
- A theory that the release of Warren Anderson in 1984 and Adil Shahryar from US custody in 1985 were linked
- Times of India article reporting on UCC Supreme Court filing regarding compensation already paid and Dow not being subject to SC jurisdiction
- The rail roko violence
- A panel discussion in Pune on the Bhopal accident anniversary, about India's nuclear safety regulation and civil liability legislation
12/7 Sports blog Insidethegames posted a column by Independent on Sunday reporter Alan Hubbard, who criticized the increase in cost for the London Games opening ceremony. In
exploring alternative uses for -L-40 million, he suggested using "some of it to do the decent thing and pay for the controversial 'wrap' shroud for the stadium and hand Dow
Chemical back their -L-7 million ($11 million/?8 million), thus appeasing those both here and in India angered by what is considered an insult to the victims of the Bhopal
disaster."
http://www.insidethegames.biz/blogs/15107
12/7 Insidethegames posted a report by Duncan Mackay about Rogge's reply to the IOA and statement in support of Dow's partnership.
http://www.insidethegames.biz/olympics/summer-olympics/2012/sponsors/15103-rogge-backs-dow-chemical-over-olympic-sponsorship
12/8 A blog titled "UK Progressive" posted an article criticizing Dow and the Olympic sponsorship as incongruent in terms of Dow's history. Author Theodora Filis also listed
several questions pertaining to the Indian curative petitions regarding the criminal charges, environmental contamination and remediation, and Dow's "lack of sustainable efforts in
India, and the rest of the world."
12/9 UK alternative media New Internationalist has a blog post by an Alan Hughes promoting the campaign against Dow's Olympic sponsorship. The piece begins with a description of
the 1984 accident, the compensation discrepancies, MP CM Chouhan's recent support of the gas NGOs demands, and the IOA/IOC/LOCOG statements regarding the Games, Dow's sponsorship
and discussion of an Indian boycott.
Hughes wrote of Dow: "this is not the first time Dow Chemicals has been accused of playing dirty games," referring to napalm production and "leaking poisonous plutonium in the US,
for which they were sued," and "multiple sites in the US" he said are "harmful and.dangerous owing to [Dow's] irresponsible activities."
The recent Bhopal anniversary events in India were described as "successful."
Readers are asked to sign Lorraine Close's change.org petition. Full text available on request.
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Message boards: Nayaran - ICJB action calls during rail violence; Games Monitor posts
12/5 ICJB activist Shweta Nayaran emailed to several related activist distribution lists a call for action to contact the MP Chief Minister's office with two demands:
- Set up of a "Truth Commission with participation of survivor's organizations" to investigate the violence at Saturday's rail roko.
- Immediate release of "all detainees and suspension of all legal action" pending a report from the above-mentioned commission.
Nayaran's email alleges the violence was "triggered by the police," photos show police "pelting stones," and the police are targeting Muslim youth from gas-affecte families as a
means of "settling religious scores." Some of the youth are reported to have been stripped and "tortured in at least two police stations in Bhopal."
The email also reported NGO leader Balkrishna Namdeo "has been charged with murderous assault punishable by ten years of rigorous imprisonment."
Full text available on request.
The London Games Monitor message board posted multiple media items on the Dow sponsorship topic through the week. A listing of the posts is available on request.
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Social media: Farah Edwards driving BMA social media
Farah Edwards Khan appears to be a main driver of the BMA social media campaign, as she posted about 160 tweets in the first four days of December. The topics vary from requesting
others to sign Lorraine Close's petition, to posting links to media items to updates on the rail roko and information/conversation tweets with others. Recipients of interest
include Lorraine Close and Indra Sinha.
One tweet indicated Express on Sunday journalist Ted Jeory was in Bhopal for the anniversary.
Full text of the twitter list is available on request.
Social media activity on the Bhopal topics peaked on the weekend, with over 150 tweets on Sunday alone. That is not viral, but definitely indicative of an extended conversation.
Full text available on request.
BMA's Twitter and Facebook feeds have consisted mainly on media links, recommendations for tweet recipients to sign Close's petition, and links to the Amnesty International UK and
USA statements/action on the Dow sponsorship.
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35407 | 35407_Activist_info_12-03-11_AI_USA_to_USOC.pdf | 99.5KiB
35408 | 35408_Blog_12-05-11_AI_USA_action_call.pdf | 97.5KiB
35411 | 35411_Activist_info_12-05-11_B_Gardiner_site.pdf | 197.8KiB